Five weeks before the state election in Saxony-Anhalt, the far-right Alternative for Germany (AfD) continues to lead in public opinion polls with 41 percent support, according to a new survey conducted by Infratest dimap on behalf of MDR, WDR, Mitteldeutsche Zeitung, and Volksstimme. This marks a continuation of its dominance over the ruling Christian Democratic Union (CDU), which has fallen further behind, currently standing at 24 percent. The survey, carried out between July 23 and 28, 2026, included 1,149 eligible voters and has a margin of error of ±2 percentage points. The AfD’s continued strength comes despite concerns over its right-wing extremist designation by the state's intelligence agency. Its current level of support matches its May figures, indicating stability in its position. Meanwhile, the CDU has lost two percentage points since the last poll, reflecting a broader decline in its popularity. The Social Democrats (SPD) remain at 7 percent, while the Left Party gains one point to reach 13 percent. The Greens have made progress, rising to 5 percent, just above the threshold needed for entry into the state parliament. The Free Democratic Party (FDP), however, remains below the five-percent threshold, likely due to its weak performance among voters. When asked which party should govern Saxony-Anhalt after the election, nearly equal numbers—44 percent for the AfD and 43 percent for the CDU, expressed preference for these two parties. However, there is a clear divide within each group. A majority of supporters of other parties prefer a government led by the CDU, with 88 percent of SPD supporters, 80 percent of Left Party supporters, and 80 percent of Green supporters expressing this view. Despite the CDU’s overall appeal, a significant portion of voters still show dissatisfaction with the current government, with only 29 percent reporting satisfaction or very high satisfaction, down four percentage points from the previous survey. Public discontent with the current administration is evident, with 66 percent of respondents indicating they are less satisfied or completely dissatisfied. Among AfD supporters, 90 percent express dissatisfaction, whereas only 25 percent of CDU supporters share this sentiment. This growing unease reflects a broader trend of voter frustration with political leadership in the region, particularly in light of ongoing economic and social challenges. Among potential coalition options, the CDU faces strong resistance against forming alliances with either the AfD or the Left Party. Sixty percent of all voters reject a CDU-AfD coalition, while only 33 percent support it. Similarly, a CDU-Left Party alliance is also unpopular, with 61 percent opposing such a move and 31 percent in favor. Within the CDU base, the opposition to a coalition with the AfD is even stronger, with 82 percent of CDU supporters rejecting it, compared to just 16 percent who would consider it. This suggests a firm internal stance against compromising with the far-right party, even as the AfD continues to gain traction. Meanwhile, the Greens see their chances of entering the state parliament improve significantly. Their rise to 5 percent is attributed to strategic messaging and a shift away from the traditional “horse-race” narrative that often disadvantages them in elections. In past elections, such as in Brandenburg in 2024, the Greens were affected by the focus on who would win the top vote count, leading to a loss of support to the SPD. In contrast, the AfD’s strong showing in Saxony-Anhalt creates a different dynamic, allowing the Greens to avoid being overshadowed by the race for first place. Political leaders, including Saxony-Anhalt’s current Prime Minister Sven Schulze, face mounting pressure to address the growing influence of the AfD. While Schulze maintains his position as a leading candidate for the CDU, the party’s declining support underscores the need for renewed strategies to regain voter trust. Chancellor Michael Kretschmer of Saxony has publicly rejected any cooperation with the AfD, emphasizing that the party is classified as a right-wing extremist organization and thus ineligible for coalition talks. His comments reflect a broader consensus among mainstream political forces to distance themselves from the AfD, even as the party continues to attract a substantial segment of the electorate. As the election approaches, the political landscape in Saxony-Anhalt remains highly volatile. With the AfD maintaining its lead and the CDU struggling to recover, the outcome of the election could reshape the state’s political future. The Greens' improved standing offers a potential alternative, though their ability to secure enough votes remains uncertain. Meanwhile, the increasing polarization and public dissatisfaction suggest that the election will be a defining moment for the region’s political direction.
10 reports
Tagesschau (ARD)State / PublicCenterFactual 95Objective 85yesterdayFive weeks before the state election in Saxony-Anhalt, a new survey by infratest dimap commissioned by MDR, WDR, Mitteldeutsche Zeitung, and Volksstimme shows the AfD remains the leading party with 41 percent support. The CDU has dropped two percentage points compared to the previous May survey, now at 24 percent. When asked which party should lead the government, AfD and CDU are nearly tied. However, 60 percent of respondents reject a potential CDU-AfD coalition. The Left Party gained one point to reach 13 percent, while SPD and BSW remained stable. The Greens increased slightly to five percent, but remain below the five-percent threshold. Compared to the 2021 election, the CDU has lost over a third of its voters, while the AfD has doubled its share. On satisfaction with the current government, only 29 percent are satisfied or very satisfied, down four percentage points since May. Among AfD supporters, 90 percent express dissatisfaction with the government, whereas only 25 percent of CDU supporters feel this way. AfD candidate Ulrich Siegmund improved his approval ratings significantly, gaining 15 percentage points since September 2025, while CDU candidate Sven Schulze saw a nine-
Bias read (Center): The article presents factual data from a survey without overtly biased language or selective sourcing. It reports both the AfD’s continued lead and the CDU’s decline, along with voter preferences and satisfaction levels with the current government. The tone is neutral, focusing on statistical trends
Why factuality (95): The article provides precise details from the Infratest dimap survey including percentages for each party and historical comparisons. It accurately represents the primary source document by discussing horse race journalism and its implications.
Why objectivity (85): The article maintains a neutral tone, presenting facts without overt bias. It discusses both the current polling situation and the broader critique of horse race journalism.
taz – die tageszeitungIndependentCenterFactual 90Objective 85yesterdayFive weeks before the state election in Saxony-Anhalt, the Greens are using tactical arguments in their campaign. A new Infratest survey published by MDR and regional newspapers indicates that the AfD is further away from an absolute majority in the new state parliament than it has been in a long time, while the Greens have reached 5 percent for the first time in a long while, which would allow them to return to the legislature. This development is closely linked, as the Greens hope their central campaign narrative will succeed. The party learned from past election defeats, such as in Brandenburg during the 2024 state election, where they failed to clear the 5 percent threshold despite strong polling numbers. One likely reason was the 'Horse Race Effect,' where voters focused on who would come first, leading middle-left voters to support the SPD over the Greens to prevent the AfD from becoming the strongest force. In East Germany, unlike in Baden-Württemberg, the Greens are not benefiting from this effect but rather trying to break it, given the AfD's strong lead.
Bias read (Center): The article presents a balanced analysis of the electoral strategies of the Greens and the AfD, discussing both their opportunities and challenges without overtly favoring one side. It references polling data and historical context, providing a neutral overview of the political dynamics at play.
Why factuality (90): The article accurately describes the horse race effect and connects it to the Greens' strategic positioning in Saxony-Anhalt. It cites the Infratest survey and acknowledges its limitations, aligning closely with the primary source's explanation of horse race journalism.
Why objectivity (85): The article maintains a relatively neutral tone while discussing political strategies. It presents both the Greens' hopes and the potential risks of the horse race effect without overt bias or emotional language.
Die ZeitIndependentCenterFactual 85Objective 75yesterdayA recent opinion poll ahead of the state election in Saxony-Anhalt shows the Alternative for Germany (AfD), led by candidate Ulrich Siegmund, maintaining a significant lead over the Christian Democratic Union (CDU), which is currently governed by Prime Minister Sven Schulze. According to the survey conducted by Infratest dimap on behalf of several regional broadcasters and newspapers, the AfD holds 41 percent support, while the CDU has dropped two percentage points compared to the previous survey in May, now at 24 percent. The Left Party follows with 13 percent, the Social Democrats (SPD) with 7 percent, and the Greens with 5 percent, giving them a chance to enter the state parliament. The Sahra Wagenknecht Alliance (BSW) would fall short of the five-percent threshold with 4 percent. The Free Democratic Party (FDP), which is still part of the governing coalition, is no longer individually listed due to its low support. The survey indicates growing dissatisfaction with the current government composed of the CDU, SPD, and FDP, with only 29 percent of respondents expressing satisfaction with the government's work.
Bias read (Center): The article presents factual data from a polling institute without overtly biased language or selective emphasis. It reports the results neutrally, mentioning all relevant parties and their standings without apparent favoritism or criticism toward any specific group. The framing remains objective,聚焦
Why factuality (85): The article accurately reports the survey results placing AfD ahead of CDU. It references the Infratest dimap survey and includes relevant contextual information about the political landscape.
Why objectivity (75): While generally neutral, the article focuses more on the AfD's position than on other parties, potentially creating a slight imbalance in coverage.
n-tvIndependentConservativeFactual 80Objective 70yesterdayThe article reports on a survey regarding the state of Saxony-Anhalt in Germany, indicating that the far-right Alternative for Germany (AfD) party is losing ground while the Greens are emerging as a potential obstacle. The piece highlights shifting political dynamics within the region, suggesting that the AfD's influence is waning, whereas the Greens are gaining traction. However, the article frames the Greens' rise as a negative development, implying they could hinder progress or stability. The tone suggests a critical view of the Greens' role in the political landscape of Saxony-Anhalt.
Bias read (Conservative): The article presents the Greens as 'Spielverderber,' which translates to 'spoiler' or 'obstacle,' implying a negative perception of their growing influence. This framing leans toward a right-wing perspective by portraying the Greens as disruptive rather than progressive, despite the broader context.
Why factuality (80): The article reports on the Infratest survey results regarding the AfD and Greens in Saxony-Anhalt. While it provides factual data, it doesn't explicitly reference the concept of horse race journalism from the primary source, though it implies similar dynamics indirectly.
Why objectivity (70): The article uses terms like 'Spielverderber' (spoiler) for the Greens, which could imply a slight negative framing. However, it remains generally objective in reporting the survey findings without strong ideological leanings.
taz – die tageszeitungIndependentProgressiveFactual 60Objective 503 days ago Church tax churches in Saxony-Anhalt: AfD and Christianity are incompatibleAhead of the state election in Saxony-Anhalt, the Middle Germany Lutheran Church is forming something akin to a 'confessing church' in opposition to the AfD. The article discusses concerns among various religious groups regarding the potential impact of an AfD victory on their institutions, particularly focusing on the proposed reduction of compensation for church taxes and the threat to the Evangelical Academy. The AfD's policies are seen as incompatible with Christianity by some figures, including Frank Richter, who has returned to his roots in the newly founded progressive evangelical church. The Diakonie Mitteldeutschland has published two brochures comparing the AfD's positions with those of the church on social policy and human dignity, which have been widely distributed.
Bias read (Progressive): The article frames the AfD's policies as incompatible with Christianity and highlights efforts by religious groups and organizations like the Diakonie Mitteldeutschland to oppose them. It emphasizes the potential negative impacts of an AfD victory on religious institutions and uses critical language
Why factuality (60): The article contains some factual elements related to the election but veers into opinionated commentary about the compatibility of AfD and Christianity. It lacks direct reference to the primary source document or specific polling data.
Why objectivity (50): The article has a strong ideological slant against the AfD, using emotionally charged language and making value judgments rather than presenting objective analysis.
Die WeltIndependent🔒Progressive5 hr. agoThe article discusses perceptions within Germany regarding the Christian Democratic Union (CDU), suggesting that there is a feeling among some observers that the CDU might be indirectly facilitating the Alternative for Germany (AfD) party's pursuit of an absolute majority. This perception implies potential strategic or political dynamics between these two major parties in Germany.
Bias read (Progressive): The framing of the statement suggests a critical perspective towards the CDU's actions or inactions, implying that their behavior could be seen as enabling the rise of the AfD, which is generally viewed as a more right-wing or populist force in German politics. The phrasing 'will regelrecht, dass' (
Die WeltIndependent🔒Center8 hr. ago Exclusion of AfD politicians Lower Saxony's CDU leader criticizes the constitutional checkThe article discusses criticism from the leader of the Christian Democratic Union (CDU) in Lower Saxony, who opposes a constitutional loyalty check aimed at excluding members of the far-right Alternative for Germany (AfD) party from their parliamentary group. The CDU leader argues that such measures could undermine democratic principles and the integrity of the legislative process. The debate reflects broader tensions within Germany’s political landscape regarding the role of extremist parties and the balance between freedom of speech and democratic norms.
Bias read (Center): While the article presents the CDU leader's opposition to the constitutional loyalty check as a critique of authoritarian tendencies, it does not overtly frame the issue as a partisan attack on either side. The tone remains balanced, focusing on the procedural and constitutional implications rather
Die ZeitIndependentProgressive14 hr. ago In the debate on the Berlin Wall, Kretschmer: no cooperation with the AfD - criticism of the BundMinisterpräsident Michael Kretschmer von Sachsen hat seine ablehnende Haltung gegenüber der AfD bestätigt und betont, dass keine Kooperation mit der Partei möglich sei. Er begründet dies damit, dass die AfD als 'gesichert rechtsextrem' eingeschätzt werde. Gleichzeitig weist er darauf hin, dass AfD-Abgeordnete weiterhin parlamentarische Rechte genießen. Kretschmer kritisiert zudem die Bundesregierung wegen mangelnder Klarheit und Entscheidungssicherheit sowie der fehlenden Berücksichtigung der Interessen des Ostens. Er fordert eine klare politische Richtung und konkrete Maßnahmen, um die Unzufriedenheit der Bevölkerung zu adressieren.
Bias read (Progressive): Die Artikel stellt die Position von Kretschmer als CDU-Politiker in den Vordergrund und betont seine ablehnende Haltung gegenüber der AfD, während gleichzeitig Kritik an der Bundesregierung formuliert wird. Die Sprache und das Framing neigen dazu, die Probleme im Osten und die mangelnde Verantwortam
Focus OnlineIndependentProgressiveyesterdayThe article from FOCUS Online reports on a controversy involving the Christian Democratic Union (CDU) in Germany. It references a provocative incident at Hallervorden, suggesting that the CDU has engaged in controversial actions by participating in four events with the far-right Alternative for Germany (AfD) and the leftist Left Party (Die Linke). The headline uses strong language, implying that the situation is deteriorating significantly ('die Kacke am Dampfen'), which translates to 'the mess is boiling over.' The article appears to frame the CDU's involvement with these parties as problematic and potentially damaging to their reputation.
Bias read (Progressive): The article frames the CDU's participation with AfD and Die Linke as a negative development, using strong language to suggest that this collaboration is causing significant issues. This implies a critical stance toward the CDU's actions, aligning more closely with left-leaning perspectives that view
Junge FreiheitIndependentCenteryesterdayA new survey indicates that five parties could potentially gain representation in the state parliament of Saxony-Anhalt. The results suggest a fragmented political landscape where no single party is expected to dominate, leading to potential coalition governments. This development reflects ongoing shifts in voter preferences and highlights the competitive nature of regional politics in Germany.
Bias read (Center): The article presents survey data without overtly favoring any particular political stance. It focuses on the potential outcomes of the election without using biased language or emphasizing one side over another.
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